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- By Sunny Daud
- Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Young batting superstar Vaibhav Sooryavanshi likely to be included in India's playing XI for the third T20I against Afghanistan which will take place on Thursday at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
India have already wrapped up the series after winning the first two games, giving captain Shreyas Iyer and the team management a chance to make a few changes for the final match. Iyer has indicated that players who have been waiting for their opportunity could be given a game.
India went 2-0 up with a seven-wicket win in the second T20I in Delhi. Chasing 159/8, they reached the target in just 14.5 overs.
Speaking after the match, Iyer said it was important for the players on the bench to get some time in the middle and become familiar with the conditions.
“Definitely, we want all of them to get used to the wicket and get some practice, so it will be a good opportunity to give a chance to the guys sitting out,” Iyer said.
Will Sooryavanshi feature in 3rd T20I?
Iyer’s comments could open the door for Sooryavanshi, who has not featured in India’s XI since Sanju Samson returned to the side.
Sooryavanshi's last cricketing outing came during India’s tour of Zimbabwe and made an immediate impact. He played all three T20Is on that tour and was named Player of the Series.
Since then, however, Sooryavanshi has had to wait for another chance after Samson returned to the team and took up the opening spot.
Sooryavanshi and Samson are yet to play together for India. The teenager featured throughout the Zimbabwe series in Samson’s absence, while Samson has opened since making his comeback.
Could Samson’s second T20I knock change the plan?
Samson’s performance in the second T20I could make the selection call more interesting. After being dismissed cheaply in the opener clash, the wicketkeeper-batter came out attacking in Delhi and smashed 57 off just 22 balls. His innings, laced with seven fours and four sixes, helped India race to 82/0 in the Powerplay.
Abhishek Sharma also played an aggressive knock, scoring 39 off 19 balls before Rashid Khan broke the opening partnership.
Samson was eventually dismissed by Rashid, but Ishan Kishan finished the chase with an unbeaten 38 as India reached the target with 31 balls still remaining.
With the series already decided, India could still look at a combination involving both Samson and Sooryavanshi. One option could be to rest Abhishek and give Sooryavanshi the chance to open alongside Samson.
However, Iyer’s comments do not confirm that the teenager will play. They only suggest that India are considering changes for the final game.
What did Iyer say about his start as captain?
Iyer also reflected on his start as India’s T20I captain. His tenure began with series defeats against Ireland and England before India finally secured their first series win under him against Afghanistan.
“Yes, certainly. It was a tough pill to swallow at the start, but the journey is always going to be a rollercoaster,” Iyer said.
The India captain said the team needs to stay focused on the present instead of worrying about what has already happened.
“You have to be in equilibrium as much as possible and see to it that you enjoy the moment and not think much about what has happened in the past. I have said it in my previous interviews as well; the more you embrace the situation, the better it gets,” he added.